DETROIT, Sept. 9 -- Today, only the 11 women of the Detroit Shock get to call themselves WNBA Champions for the 2006 season. And we wondered: "What's the coolest thing about being a champion?" So, we asked and we observed.


Winning at Home


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What's better than winning the WNBA title? Doing it in front of the faithful (even if the Shock won it at their second home, The Joe).


Champagne Showers


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Nothing's better than soaking you and your teammates in some of France's finest.


The Trophy


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Who hasn't wanted to buss the trophy after a long, tough season?


The Threads


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Keep the T-shirt and the hat. You've soaked them, you've earned them.


Winning in Your Home State


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Kara Braxton, you've just helped your Detroit Shock win the 2006 WNBA title. What is the coolest thing about being a champion?

"That I got to win it in Detroit, I'm from Michigan, I'm excited. I'm happy. God bless and good night!"


Two Trophies for Tweety


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Deanna Nolan, you've just been named WNBA Finals MVP. What is the coolest thing about being a champion?

"Knowing that you were supposed to win and you finally did and that all your hard work paid off. And you get the rightful recognition that your team deserves."


The First One Is Sweet


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Katie Smith, you've just helped the Detroit Shock to the 2006 WNBA title. What's the coolest thing about being a champion?

"Of all the championships I've won, I've never had a champagne celebration. That was cool. I've never had a champagne thing going on, and I'll wrap that up as the No. 1 thing."

"It's a blast. We've worked hard, and just all the work you put through. I've been through two ACL injuries and to still be able to play at this level ... as a competitor, you feel good about it. This is a fun group. I love it."


So Is the Second One


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Swin Cash, you've just helped the Detroit Shock to its second WNBA title. What is the coolest thing about being a champion?

"Doin' it over and over again. The coolest thing for me is to share it with my teammates. As for the second time, it was all worth it through the ups and downs of this year."


From the Sidelines


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Rick Mahorn, you've just helped coach the Detroit Shock to WNBA title. What is the coolest thing about being a champion?

"To see the players celebrate because they work so hard at their craft. It's a player's game and it's nice to see that."


The Memories


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It's times such as these, the Shock will remember and cherish forever.